The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·09755·Announced 2009-07-22

Polaris Recalls 2009 ATVs Due to Valve Assembly Fire Hazard

Polaris Industries is recalling about 4,700 2009 model year ATVs because a valve assembly failure in freezing temperatures can cause oil leaks and fires.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (valve assembly failure) that has resulted in reported fires and property damage, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Polaris Industries Inc. is recalling approximately 4,700 2009 model year All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). The affected models include the Sportsman ESP XP 850 and Sportsman XP 850 ATVs, which were sold through Polaris dealers nationwide from September 2008 through June 2009 for approximately $9,000.

The recall is due to a potential failure of the valve assembly in freezing temperatures. This failure can cause oil to leak into the exhaust system, posing a fire and burn hazard to the rider. The company has received six reports of the valve assembly failing in freezing temperatures, resulting in three small fires. These incidents caused minor fire damage to air boxes, ignition coils, and seats.

Consumers should immediately stop using the affected ATVs in sub-freezing temperatures and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners in areas with consistently sub-freezing temperatures have received direct mail notification. For additional information, consumers can contact Polaris toll-free at (888) 704-5290 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit www.polarisindustries.com.

The recalled product

Product
2009 Model Year Polaris All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Manufacturer
Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.
Category
Vehicle — ATV
Hazard
Affected units
4,700

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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